Lark Oxford — Local services in Oxford

I've lived at the Hub continuously for 4 semesters under three different managers, and have seen it transform a lot over that time. I've seen the seasons change twice now from those miserably hot Mississippi summers all the way to the Winters when it snowed a few times. I can't give 4 & 1/2 stars so I'll give them the benefit of rounding up, because they really do try, I'll give them that. I've lived in three different units, all of which were in different buildings (3, 4, & 6) and I will say that each area, even different sides of the same building, have their own vibrant communities and faces. I've seen many people come through over the years, and I've seen the Hub kind of shift away from its former reputation of the party hub, more towards a family inclusive environment; although, it has always been extremely pet friendly. As someone without a pet, I honestly think sometimes that the number of dog owners here outnumbers those without. Due to my course load I haven't always been able to enjoy the amenities, as many students can relate, but the reviewers who came before me weren't embellishing. What I have used most extensively were the gym, the computer lab, and the study rooms in that order. I enjoy the gym more than the Turner Center on campus, and mostly see the same familiar people when I go. The study rooms fill up during finals, but the Hub usually accommodates. There are generally small events and favors the Hub will extend to residents seasonally, though those have increased exponentially since Jason became the new manager. I've seen the inside of every building and floor plan, and would say that the living spaces and rooms are pretty standard throughout the complex, and you will get out of yours what you put in. I left it bare when I first moved in because I'm a minimalist, but with the addition of roommates (which come in good and bad) I have since made my space more homey and personalized, which I recommend doing. Maintenance always responded relatively quickly, and the staff are helpful as well. Noise is a concern, as the living spaces are close together, but that's just the nature of apartment complexes which make it impossible to feel lonely when you know there's someone less than 20 feet away from you in any direction. You can't really compare the Hub to townhouses or Uclub, for example. Its closest "rival" would be the Domain, although it's on the complete opposite side of town and comes with its own headaches, like traffic. The Hub is fortunate to be on the side of town with easy access to all of the restaurants and businesses worth going to. It's difficult to get to the Square often times; however, there is a shuttle offered on Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays, which I've also seen transform (for the better thankfully). The biggest advantage of the Hub transportation wise, though, is that the Yellow Route (which is free to all students) will take you to and from campus in less than 30 minutes, and you'll find that the Hub is a special pick-up/drop-off point along the route. In conclusion, if you're looking for the apartment experience with everything included, the Hub...

The Lark at Oxford Mississippi is not a place I would recommend for anyone to live. I have lived in this complex for nearly three years now as I am attending school at the University of Mississippi. For the first two years, the complex was under different ownership/management called "The Hub." While The Hub had its issues, they were always handled promptly and with honesty. From the minute The Lark took over, I have had nothing but disdain for the lack of honesty and the pure imbecility of management here.

For one, us residents used to have access to a shuttle bus on Thursdays-Saturdays that would offer free rides to and from the square and to and from campus on gamedays. This was one of the best features of the complex, as it all but eliminated drunk driving not only for the residents, but also for any friends we would have over for the night/weekend. On the first weekend of this school year, we noticed the shuttle bus was not running. When we approached management about this, they lied to us and said they were repainting the bus to match the new "Lark" theme and it would be back in 2-3 weeks. Now, 8 weeks later, there is still no shuttle bus. We only learned the truth about the shuttle bus not returning because of a conversation through an employee who accidently slipped up and told us the information. They said that the shuttle bus was replaced with new Wi-Fi in the building because of lack of funding. This "new Wi-Fi" is worse than the previous one, not allowing simple connections nor the use of HULU. Also, the lack of funding for the bus is a lie. The Lark does constant giveaways and gives free catering food on occasion. However, the most recent giveaway was a gift card awarded to a "resident" through the Lark Instagram. This "resident" was a foreign exchange student chosen at random, who has not lived at the Lark for a year and a half and is currently in Germany with no way to receive the prize (he was a good friend of mine when he was here and we are still in communication).

The Lark has chosen bottom tier Wi-Fi over the safety of its residents. One of my friends (a resident at The Lark) has already gotten a DUI because there is no longer a shuttle bus to rely on during weekends. Going to the football games on Saturdays means walking over 2 miles through traffic and main streets as Uber is almost never an option on gamedays due to the heavy demand.

Management has not only lied to our parents and its residents about this and many other issues, but also has failed to return any phone calls regarding the issue. To be frank, if you are considering living here or are considering moving your child here, DON'T. While I am mad about the way management has handled almost everything since they took over, it still does not affect my judgement on this issue. Objectively speaking and looking at the facts, moving into The Lark could be one of the worst living decisions one could make, and I am deeply regretting being one of the few unfortunate souls to make...

Pros: Overall nice pool and amenities. Hot tubs, gym, volleyball, basketball, game room, free coffee, bus to campus and the Square. I haven't had to buy a parking pass in the two years I've lived here. Big apartments, furnished with decent stuff (though horrible mattresses). The shuttle will also take you to the grove on game days which is nice.

Cons: First off, before you sign a lease I would highly recommend you walk around the entirety of each building. I would be surprised if you didn't hear a dog barking at each building. I'd also be surprised if you didn't step in dog sh*t. They let anyone get as many dogs as possible, aggressive or not, it's just more money in their pocket. Picking up after your dog appears to be optional here. I have 4 apartments right around mine with dogs, two have two dogs. They bark for a good 7 hours a day. I love dogs btw, college students should just wait to get one though. Second, lock your doors. My roommate had a guy sneak into our apartment over winter break. He waited til he fell asleep, then tried to sneak in his room. Luckily he was awake and pushed him out and called the cops. Third, be home when maintenance is in your apartment. My roommate walked in on them going through our kitchen drawers and cabinets "looking for light bulbs." Haven't put in a work order since. Fourth, thin walls. I can hear the apartment above mine's phone vibrate when it's sitting on their night stand. Fifth, Make sure you get the room and apartment style you signed a lease for. When I first signed a lease, my roommate at the time was kicked from his room with a bathroom in it and placed into one with the bathroom across the hall. After calling management they said the other person already signed a lease and we would have to deal with them. After digging further we found out it was a staff member that bumped my roommate because he wanted that room in that particular unit. At which point we escalated it to a manager and she took care of us. Just some added stress. Stay on top of management if you live here.

I hope I win that IPhone X for this...